@framesbyastha · WASHINGTON HIKES
Eunice Lake + a historic fire lookout + Mount Rainier.
| Round trip | 6.5 miles |
| Gain | 1,010 ft |
| NPS time | ~3 hours |
| Start | Mowich Lake |
2026 access: SR 165/Fairfax Bridge is closed to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. NPS says there is no alternate public route from outside the park to Mowich Lake, so this is currently not a normal drive-to day hike.
Tolmie Peak gives you more than one payoff. The trail first reaches Eunice Lake, then climbs above it to a historic fire lookout. From the ridge, you get the classic view of the blue lake below with Mount Rainier rising behind it.
Under normal access, the hike starts on the northwest side of Mowich Lake and follows the Wonderland Trail through forest.
After about 1.25 miles, turn at the Tolmie Peak junction toward Eunice Lake. Stay on the constructed trail around the fragile subalpine meadows.
From Eunice Lake, the final mile to Tolmie Peak is the steepest section.
The historic 1933 fire lookout sits above Eunice Lake with broad views toward Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains.